Pakistan Football Roundup: Shehzad Anwar Raises Concerns, Fazal Returns, India’s SAFF Squad and More
Pakistan football has seen several developments ahead of a busy November, with the senior men's team preparing for the SAFF Championship, Mohammad Fazal returning to action after injury and the U17 side stepping up preparations for the AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifiers. Meanwhile, SAFF has confirmed the introduction of VAR Lite, India's squad selection has attracted attention, and Pakistan's U15 side has concluded its FIFA campaign.
Shehzad Anwar Questions Pakistan's SAFF Preparations
Former Pakistan head coach Shehzad Anwar has questioned the Pakistan Football Federation's preparations for the upcoming SAFF Championship, expressing concerns over the late start of the national team's training camp.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, Anwar highlighted the lack of domestic football and the challenges facing local players who have not had regular competitive action.
"It's strange," Anwar said, questioning why preparations had started so late despite the federation knowing that the tournament falls outside the FIFA international window and that overseas-based players would be unavailable.
He also stressed the importance of giving the squad sufficient time to build fitness, particularly given the absence of a domestic league.
"You need at least a six-week camp for proper conditioning. In a week's time, players cannot even relax, so how will you train them?" he said.
Anwar further warned that putting excessive physical demands on players who are not match-fit could increase the risk of injuries, arguing that the coaching staff should not be held solely responsible for results when given limited preparation time.
Pakistan's camp began on October 26, with the team scheduled to face India in its opening SAFF Championship fixture on November 5 in Dhaka.
Mohammad Fazal Returns After Injury, But SAFF Call-Up Remains Uncertain
Pakistan international Mohammad Fazal has finally returned to competitive action after recovering from the thigh injury he sustained during the FIFA ASEAN Cup.
The defender made his first appearance since the injury on October 31, coming on at half-time for Nordic United against GIF Sundsvall in the Swedish Superettan.
However, despite returning to the pitch, Fazal has not been included in Pakistan's squad for the upcoming SAFF Championship.
It remains to be seen whether his omission is directly related to his recent injury or whether other selection considerations were involved.
SAFF Introduces VAR Lite for Championship
The upcoming SAFF Championship will feature VAR Lite, with the regional governing body confirming the introduction of the simplified video-assistance system.
SAFF General Secretary Purushottam Kattel confirmed that the technology will be used during the final matchday of the group stage as a test, before being implemented in the semi-finals and final.
Unlike traditional VAR, VAR Lite is designed to provide video-assisted refereeing with more limited infrastructure and lower costs. Due to the facilities available at Dhaka's National Stadium, the VAR personnel will operate remotely.
India's SAFF Squad: Not Strictly an U23 Side
India have announced a 28-player squad for the SAFF Championship, with U23 head coach Naushad Moosa appointed to lead the defending champions.
However, despite Moosa's appointment, the selected squad is not strictly an U23 side. It includes several players above the U23 age category, alongside established senior internationals.
Names such as Farukh Choudhary, Liston Colaco and Bijoy Varghese bring senior international experience to the group.
Furthermore, several selected players featured in India's historic friendly against Brazil on October 3, including Bijoy Varghese, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Farukh Choudhary, Macarton Nickson and Irfan Yadwad.
India will begin their SAFF Championship campaign against Pakistan on November 5, before facing the Maldives on November 11.
The complete 28-player squad is included in the accompanying AIFF announcement.
Pakistan U15 End FIFA Campaign with Victory
Pakistan's U15 side have concluded their debut FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival campaign in Azerbaijan with a 4-2 comeback victory over Djibouti.
The young Shaheens finished the competition with four wins and two draws from ten matches, ending their campaign in 169th position out of total 189 participants with major reason for being lower ranked was the team finished last in their early group stage and was placed in group F for last few matches.
The result provided a positive conclusion to an important international experience for Pakistan's young players.
Pakistan U17 Camp Begins Ahead of AFC Qualifiers
Pakistan's U17 national team camp began this week at Jinnah Stadium, Islamabad, as preparations continue for the upcoming AFC U17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027 qualifiers.
The players selected for the camp have been identified through the recently held national U17 league, providing an opportunity for performers from the domestic competition to represent Pakistan at international level.
Pakistan have been drawn in Group D alongside Iran, Jordan, Sri Lanka and hosts Laos. The upcoming fixtures are:
- November 8: Sri Lanka U17 vs Pakistan U17
- November 11: Pakistan U17 vs Iran U17
- November 14: Laos U17 vs Pakistan U17
- November 20: Pakistan U17 vs Jordan U17
All four fixtures will be played in Vientiane, Laos, with Pakistan aiming to secure qualification for the 2027 AFC U17 Asian Cup.
Kayla Siddiqi Set for Match Against East Bengal in India
Pakistan women's international Kayla Siddiqi is set to feature for Vietnamese champions Ho Chi Minh City Women's FC against India's East Bengal on November 1 in Kolkata.
Siddiqi previously scored her first international goal against India during the 2024 SAFF Women's Championship.
Her upcoming appearance will see another Pakistan international compete on Indian soil, this time at the continental club level.
Ho Chi Minh City will also face North Korean side April 25 SC on November 4 and South Korea's Hwacheon KSPO on November 7.
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